March 2001 Newsletter

Welcome to our March newsletter. A big thank you to all of you who came to the AGM, minutes are attached for those who were unable to make it.

Fire Safety and Ofsted - IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The date for training has now been set as the 6^th March, 7pm, Leighton Buzzard Fire Station, booking a place isn't necessary, just turn up. This training is free, will provide you will a certificate and help you meet Ofsted's requirements. If you need help with travel arrangements, contact Tunja (address at bottom of newsletter).

Training will include how to work out, write and practice your emergency escape plan, how to stop burning toast from setting off your fire alarm with out removing the battery, how to test your Carbon Monoxide detector is really working, how to use your compulsory fire blanket, teaching children about fire safety etc. A certificate will be awarded for this course which can be added to your information (portfolio) shown to Ofsted and any prospective customers.

First Aid Training

For details of current First Aid courses, phone the Adult Education Centre on 01525 - 375769 They now have nine names on their list and will be setting a date shortly.

Web Site Update - www.lbcma.org.uk

The site has now had a total of over 4500 visitors, 650 of those in January. We have had three email enquiries in the last month from parents looking for childminders, in addition to the telephone calls we have been receiving. We only have one childminder advertising that hasn't now filled her vacancies, so if you'd like to advertise (cost £5) please let us know.

New features on this site include: Childminding's Pro's and Con's, Why Childminder's Mind?, Child Protection Procedures, Course Dates, Illegal Childminding.

Coming Soon: New Festivals Shavout, St Patrick's Day, St Georges Day, St Andrew's Day, St David's Day.

You might like to take a look at our Easter Activities Ideas and other up coming festivals like Holi and Passover.

If you don't have web access and would like a copy of these articles, please contact us. They will be sent with your next news letter, or you may collect them at one of our meetings.

Child Protection

New procedures have been issued, every childminder in the county should have received their copy. If you have not yet received yours, phone the CIS on 01234-228229 and request a copy. A copy of these procedures is also available on the web site for you to down load.

AGM

Minutes Attached.

Morning Chat

These are held every Wednesday during term time between 9.30-11.30am at the Youth Centre, Church Road (off Wing Road), together with the ‘Mother and Toddler Group'. Providing an opportunity for carers to talk, for children to play with a different range of toys and to socialise with other children. What many adults call ‘just play' is essential self-directed exploration and invention. This experimentation by the child contributes to their intellectual, social, emotional and creative development.

Messy Morning

To be held March 14^th at 10.00am - 12.00am, and kindly hosted by Nicky. Contact child.minder@virgin.net to book by the 11^th March, this will help the Easter Bunny decide how many treats to bring. There will be a wide variety of art and craft activities on offer and childminders, their own children and their minded children plus any interested parents will be welcome. There will be a charge of £1.50 per child to cover materials, refreshments and treats, no charge for adults.

Meet the Ranger

We will be meeting the ranger at Stock Grove country park on Monday 15^th April from 10.00 - 11.00am for a talk, walk and games. We will look at wild life, explore the woods and enjoy games led by the park ranger. Please contact Tunja, child.minder@virgin.net with numbers so I can tell if we need one or two rangers. If you wish to lengthen this trip or are not in a hurry to get back, we can stay and have lunch at the restaurant on site.

Teddy Bears Picnic

Fun and games on 15^th May with a teddy bear theme. Please bring your teddies, there is a prize for the best dressed teddy. Children will also be able to make their own sandwiches and enjoy our home made teddy bear biscuits. Picnic, fun and games to be held at (email for address child.minder@virgin.net) from 11.30am - 1.30pm. Please email to confirm attendance, £1.00 payable on the day for each child. Chee Chee the giant panda has already booked her ticket and will be coming to join in with the children in their fun and games.

Picnic in the Park

This is a fund raising opportunity for our group enabling us to raise money towards the children's Christmas party and group running expenses. We will be hosting a second hand toy and book stall. We will also be selling handmade playdough, if you can help by making some please phone for the recipe. If you would be able to help run the stall please contact us with your favoured time slot. Date for your diary is June 19th, (at Parsons Close park near Pulfords school). Please note this event falls in the National Childminding Week, and we will be celebrating 25 years of childminding.

Alex Pascall of Teletubby Fame

Alex appeared at the Under Fives conference. He covered stories, rhythm and music. We took our percussion instruments, and those without borrowed some kindly lent by the Phoenix school. We were shown how dressing up with lengths of cloth, singing and dancing helps children with language development. These activities were equally helpful for children with attention problems and English as a second language. Using singing music and dance Alex also demonstrated that both the foundation stage and level one could be achieved through this medium.

Ofsted

Ofsted inspection due soon? Don't panic, Joanne a local registered childminder said "It was a more pleasant experience than I was expecting, It was quite enjoyable in fact".

Childminder of the Year

This is a DFES sponsored competition to find the best childminder of 2002. The competition forms part of the Kid's club network's excellence in childcare awards for 2002. Entry forms are available in the March issue of Prima magazine. Please note the closing date is 28^th March.

Vacancies?

Inquirers for childminders have been increasing recently particularly for babies. If you have a vacancies don't forget to inform the CIS and Tunja. It is also helpful if you inform us when spaces are filled.

Diary Dates

These are the dates of events and activities. It is suggested that you transfer them to your diary while they are fresh in your mind and before this news letter is mislaid.

March 6^th Fire Safety Training 7.00pm - 9.00pm Fire Station.
March 14^th Messy Morning 10.00am - 12.00am.
April 15^th Stockgrove Park 10.00am - 11.00am.
May 15^th Teddy Bears Picnic.
June 19^th Picnic in the Park. 10.00am -2.00pm Parsons Close

Contact Tunja child.minder@virgin.net You can also contact Tunja if you need help getting to an event.